Yesterday marked the ninth year that the White House has participated in “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.” The program aims to bring girls and boys together to create a more equitable world at home, school, the workplace, and their greater communities. This year’s theme, “Plant a Dream at the White House: Grow Your Future in Public Service,” served as inspiration for the day’s programming.

More than 180 children of employees of the Executive Office of the President spent the morning at the White House, exploring different career paths and, ultimately, cultivating their hopes and dreams for the future.

Children began their day learning fun facts about the White House and playing a game to explore different jobs on the complex – some of which are held by their very own parents! The children participated in a mock press conference, and heard from staff on how to communicate effectively.

The White House Pastry Chefs also talked about the White House Kitchen Garden and provided tips for a healthy diet – children even tried yummy samples of homemade oatmeal bars! They also explored the array of biodiversity existing on the White House grounds with the National Park Service and the United States Geological Survey. Finally, the children wrote their dreams on actual seeds and planted them, symbolizing their aspirations for their budding futures.

The First Lady concluded the event by answering questions from the children about the White House Kitchen Garden, her favorite things (foods, color, and place to visit), and her job as First Lady.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this event possible.

First Lady Michelle Obama answers questions from children at the White House's annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, in the East Room of the White House, April 24, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)